“No Woman No Cry” sang a songwriter known for stirring up social issues Bob Marley, born in Jamaica. Its native language is English, but Jamaicans are known for their distinct accents. English has been the native language since 1665 when the English took possession of it, formerly it belonged to Spain.
On this day May 3rd, in 1494, Christopher Columbus discovers Jamaica. Christopher Columbus encountered the indigenous people of Jamaica, the Arawak and the Taino. They migrated from South America to the island 4000 BC – 1000 BC.
This was on Columbus’ second voyage which left Spain September 24, 1493. Jamaica although a small country with approximately 2.8 million people, has made a large cultural impact on the world. Reggae, Ska, and Rastafarians have been opened to the world. As well, James Bond author Ian Flemming lived in Jamaica, and he often used it as a setting for his numerous stories. Jamaica gained its independence August 6, 1962.